University of Pikeville receives grant from American Heart Association

The American Heart Association has provided the University of Pikeville with a $20,000 grant to allow the university to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan on campus, providing a safer and more supportive campus environment for students, faculty, and staff. The Cardiac Emergency Response Plan will increase early intervention practices, CPR training, and access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

According to an article on the University of Pikeville’s website, Andrea Ooten, who serves as the Executive Director of the Central and Eastern Kentucky American Heart Association, was quoted as saying of the organization’s support of the university, “The American Heart Association is thrilled to see the University of Pikeville taking such a proactive and inspiring step toward strengthening cardiac emergency preparedness on campus. Empowering students, faculty and staff with hands-on CPR opportunities doesn’t just build skills—it builds confidence, readiness and a community of lifesavers. Every person who learns CPR increases the chances that a life can be saved, and we’re proud to work alongside UPIKE as they lead by example in creating a safer, heart‑healthy campus.”

With this grant funding, the university is going to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. It will also collaborate with local first responders like the fire department, police department, and EMS in order to determine where to place the new AEDs on campus, as well as to conduct yearly emergency response drills on campus.

The grant funding will support the purchase of four AEDs, as well as the development of a Cardiac Emergency Response Team and an individual on campus to serve as the program overseer. Up to eight staff members will receive training in American Heart Association-certified CPR and hands-only CPR training for students, faculty, and staff.

Lee Upchurch, the university’s director of Public Safety, said, “Because of this grant, our campus will be better prepared to respond when every second counts and ultimately, that preparation means something very important. It means that lives will be saved. Thank you to the American Heart Association and all of our partners who helped make this possible. Together, we are building a safer and healthier community.”

For more information about the University of Pikeville, visit the school’s website.